PREACHING
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SCRIPTURE IS BOTH PRACTICAL AND SPIRITUAL . WHY NOT GET PEOPLE TO THINK ABOUT AND SHARE WHAT THEY ’ VE LEARNED FROM NATURE ? and cares for , and would follow well from watching David Attenborough ’ s documentaries . Job 12:7-10 , 1 Kings 4:29-34 , Proverbs 6:6-8 ; 30:24-28 are all passages showing how studying nature in close detail leads to wisdom – something that in scripture is both practical and spiritual . Why not get people to think about and share what they ’ ve learned from nature ?
ENGAGE WITH THE BIG ISSUES
We ’ re facing a multitude of environmental crises , none of which were familiar to biblical writers , yet scripture speaks powerfully to our context . On the climate crisis , Jesus stilling the storm ( Matthew 8:23-27 , Mark 4:35-41 , Luke 8:22-25 ) shows Jesus ’ power and authority over nature ’ s forces , which doesn ’ t absolve us from responsibility but should lead to hopeful action . Another angle is to use Joseph ’ s handling of Egypt ’ s years of plenty and famine ( Genesis 41 ). There are parallels to our era of prosperity and the coming era of chaos . We can follow Joseph in seeking God ’ s view , confessing our impotence ( 41:16 ), reducing our consumption and seeking climate justice ( 41:36 ), sharing our resources globally ( 41:57 ), and in giving God the glory ( 45:5 ). On biodiversity loss , Noah ( Genesis 6:11-9:19 ) reveals God ’ s passion for biodiversity conservation , using human agency to save breeding pairs of every species on the Ark and concluding with a covenant including ‘ every living creature on the earth ’. On consumption and waste , much of the Sermon on the Mount is relevant . Also , John 6:12 where , following the feeding of the five thousand , Jesus says ‘ Let nothing be wasted ’ as all the leftovers are gathered , can lead to speaking about human pollution and overconsumption . In God ’ s creation there is no waste , as everything is recycled and renewed .
GIVE BIBLICAL HOPE
Climate anxiety and despair are growing fast , especially amongst young people . Biblical hope is ultimately based on God ’ s character and promises , and the saving work of Christ . Romans 8:18-27 addresses this clearly , with its assurance that creation will be ‘ liberated from its bondage to decay ’ ( v . 21 ) and its challenge that creation is waiting for God ’ s children ( the church ). Other passages include Acts 3:21 and Revelation 21:5 , both of which affirm that creation will be restored and renewed rather than replaced .
Dave Bookless
Rev Dr Dave Bookless . Dave ’ s passion is communicating biblical teaching to today ’ s cultures , and he has spoken around the world to conferences , colleges and churches . He has a PhD from Cambridge University on biblical theology and biodiversity conservation , and has contributed to many books and articles .